A stir echoed faintly from the entrance.
A woman emerged from the crowd, resplendent in a striking crimson gown. Her posture was proud and flamboyant, her eyes laced with scorn, as though the world and all its trifles were beneath her notice.
Su Wanwan's gaze brushed past her indifferently.
A woman standing beside her whispered an introduction, "That's Li Zhen—the most favored daughter of the Li family."
Su Wanwan was puzzled by the sudden information but responded politely nonetheless. "Thank you."
The woman's crimson lips parted slightly, and after a brief internal struggle, she leaned in again and said in a hushed tone, "Before Young Master Fu's face was scarred, she was the Second Madam's ideal candidate for the position of his wife."
Su Wanwan understood immediately. The "Second Madam" she spoke of was Fu Liangmu's mother.
In Xicheng, there were four prominent families, with the Fu family reigning supreme, followed closely by the Xie, Li, and Bai families. A union between the Fu and Li families would have indeed been a powerful match.
The moment Li Zhen saw the Second Madam, her face lit up with a saccharine smile, and she hurried forward.
"Happy birthday, Auntie!"
Taking advantage of the moment, Su Wanwan finally glimpsed Fu Liangmu's mother. She was a woman of dignified beauty and noble bearing, her skin well-maintained with only the faintest traces of age at the corners of her eyes. A subtle, distant smile graced her lips. Her attire was modest, devoid of any ostentatious jewelry.
"Auntie, it's been so long—you've become even more youthful," Li Zhen said with an air of familiarity, linking arms with the Second Madam in an overly intimate manner, as if they were truly close.
Onlookers cast envious glances their way and began whispering among themselves.
"I heard Li Zhen was supposed to be the eldest young master's bride."
"I heard he brought his new wife today. Tsk, this will be fun to watch."
"That marriage was rushed. If someone hadn't told me, I wouldn't even have known!"
"No ceremony, apparently—just registered and done."
Li Zhen's smile only deepened, a glint of pride and provocation flashing in her eyes. Just when she'd been wondering how to vent her friend Su Nian's frustration, this perfect opportunity had presented itself.
Today, she would make sure Su Wanwan witnessed the chasm that separated a country girl from the elite.
"The facial masks you gave me last time worked wonders," said the Second Madam, patting her hand.
"If you liked them, I'll bring you more in a couple of days," Li Zhen replied, leaning affectionately against her shoulder like a daughter.
Her eyes scanned the room, feigning curiosity. "Auntie, I heard Liangmu is here today too. Ever since his wedding, we haven't even seen each other."
Fu Ziyang, who was escorting Fu Liangmu, immediately turned to leave upon hearing that.
But Li Zhen's sharp eyes caught sight of him and she raised her voice. "Fu Ziyang, where are you off to?"
He rolled his eyes and turned around reluctantly. "Good grief, the birthday banquet doesn't start for another two hours. Why are you here so early?"
Li Zhen gave a spoiled snort and lifted her fair chin. "What, I'm not welcome? Auntie personally invited me. Do I need your permission to come early?"
Ziyang didn't want to argue and simply stood silently behind Fu Liangmu.
But the moment Li Zhen laid eyes on the disfiguring scar on Fu Liangmu's face, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly masked her fear and raised a hand in greeting.
"Liangmu, long time no see. How have you been?"
His frosty gaze swept over her, catching every flicker of emotion on her face. The corners of his lips curled into a cold arc, but he clearly had no interest in engaging with such two-faced hypocrisy.
When his silence stretched on, the air turned awkward. The Second Madam, Chen Shuang, frowned and scolded him sharply.
"Liangmu, Zhenzhen is speaking to you!"
Li Zhen hastily interjected, "It's alright, Auntie, please don't be upset."
Fu Liangmu had treated her with indifference for a long time now.
Chen Shuang shook her head in disappointment, exasperation clouding her gaze.
Fu Ziyang gave an awkward laugh, attempting to ease the tension. "Auntie, why don't you and Sister Zhen chat? I'll take my brother to sit somewhere else."
Li Zhen interjected immediately, "I heard at the door that Liangmu brought his wife today. Why hasn't she come to greet Auntie yet? It's their first meeting—basic etiquette should be observed."
Fu Ziyang inwardly cursed. No one knew his brother's temper better than he did. Li Zhen was practically asking for trouble.
Sure enough, Fu Liangmu's previously placid expression darkened ominously.
Just as he was about to speak, a familiar warmth slipped into his hand, soft fingers intertwining naturally with his.
Su Wanwan stepped forward to stand beside him, her smile radiant and composed. The refined elegance of her presence instantly outshone Li Zhen.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, darling. This house is so big, I got lost inside."
The affectionate word "darling" made Fu Liangmu's heart tremble. The brooding storm in his chest was instantly doused, vanishing without a trace.
"It's alright."
Su Wanwan turned her head, locking eyes with Chen Shuang. "Mom."
Chen Shuang said nothing, merely turned and left to attend to the guests.
Li Zhen sneered and said meaningfully, "It's Miss Su's first visit, isn't it? Getting lost in the house—that's quite the novelty. Then again, after spending so many years in the countryside, I suppose you've never seen such a grand residence. Totally understandable."
Su Wanwan nodded calmly in agreement. "Miss Li is absolutely right."
"I've been back for a few years now, but I'm still not quite used to it."
"After all, there are far too many people here who say one thing and mean another."
Li Zhen's eyelid twitched violently, though her expression remained composed.
"I suppose Miss Su doesn't have many close friends around."
"Unlike Liangmu and me—we grew up together, practically naked toddlers in the same yard."
"Though fate didn't make us husband and wife, we can still remain good friends."
Fu Ziyang swallowed nervously. The two women, both stunning and graceful, seemed to be engaged in the politest of duels. And yet, he felt an invisible chill surrounding him, like unseen blades cutting through the air.
Su Wanwan tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and leaned lightly against Fu Liangmu's shoulder, her manner intimate and affectionate.
"Well, you're right. Men do prefer younger women."
"A woman of Miss Li's age doesn't quite have the edge to compete with me anymore."
Fu Ziyang broke into a fit of coughing, nearly choking on his own saliva.
Li Zhen's expression darkened instantly.
Was Su Wanwan calling her old?
She wasn't even that much older—Fu Liangmu was twenty-eight, and she was only twenty-five!
Su Wanwan lifted her head slightly, her chin resting gently on Fu Liangmu's impeccably tailored suit. Her eyes sparkled like rippling autumn waters.
"Miss Li truly knows herself well. Don't you think so, darling?"